Restoring the Brill Motor Car

The Brill Motor Car Model M-55 was owned by the Frankfort & Cincinnati Railroad (in Kentucky) and was named "The Cardinal." This self-propelled rail vehicle was built about 1927 as a diesel-mechanical unit and purchased from the Frankfort & Cincinnati by Kentucky Railway Museum in 1960. The car is currently undergoing restoration. Some progress pictures are below:

Car being loaded at New Haven for transport to Mid-America Car & Locomotive Repair in Evansville, IN.

Same side of car in repair shop with damaged panels removed.

A front view of car.

Minor wood rot below baggage door opening.

Donations are being accepted for the restoration of this important piece of rail history, which you may make with our online secure donation form.